BBQ at Bailey Celebrates 20th Year

BBQ at Bailey
Attendees enjoy food and fellowship at BBQ at Bailey in 2025. The popular event returns to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on October 7. Photo by Sheranden Miller

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of its favorite traditions when BBQ at Bailey returns Wednesday, Oct. 7.

The milestone event comes during 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Centennial academic year, bringing generations of Trojans together to celebrate 100 years of the university and 20 years of a tradition centered on food, fellowship, and Trojan pride.

This year鈥檚 Celebration of Champions will once again put Trojan student-athletes in the spotlight, recognizing their accomplishments while welcoming students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the university to campus.

The annual picnic will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center.

鈥淐elebrating 20 years of BBQ at Bailey during our Centennial makes this year especially meaningful,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement. 鈥淔or two decades, this event has been about bringing Trojans together, and that鈥檚 exactly what we want to do during our Centennial year. We鈥檙e excited to celebrate our student-athletes, welcome alumni back to campus, and recognize the employers and community partners who continue to invest in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and our graduates.鈥�

As part of the Centennial celebration, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is expanding its outreach to alumni and university partners, including former student-athletes, Donaghey Scholars alumni, Greek alumni, corporate and foundation partners, and graduates working for some of the region鈥檚 leading employers.

This year, representatives from the top employers of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduates will also volunteer throughout BBQ at Bailey. Their participation recognizes the organizations that employ Trojans and the important connections between the university, its graduates, and the Arkansas workforce.

The top employers of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduates include:

  • University of Arkansas at Little Rock
  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  • Arkansas Children鈥檚 Hospital
  • Baptist Health
  • Walmart Inc.
  • Little Rock School District
  • Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • State of Arkansas
  • Southwest Power Pool Inc.
  • Acxiom Corporation
  • Simmons Bank
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Friday, Eldredge & Clark LLP
  • Dillard鈥檚 Inc.
  • Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard PLLC
  • Bank OZK

Whole Hog Cafe will cater the event, with vegetarian burgers available, and cookies from Community Bakery will be served. DJ Klassik Entertainment, owned by 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus Jonathan Nunn, will provide music, while the Trojan Pep Band will join the festivities. The Buzz will also broadcast from BBQ at Bailey.

Guests can also take photos at a special 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock backdrop, find their commemorative bricks on the alumni patio, enjoy lawn games, and register for special door prizes. 

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